List of Best Beaches in Washington State
Summer is one of the most beautiful times in Washington State. The state also holds some very unique beaches and adventures. Below we have listed some of the Best Beaches In Washington State for Fun. Next time you plan on going for a day adventure or weekend trip, try out one of these prime locations for fun. Love hiking? Check out 7 best hikes near Seattle
Second Beach
Second Beach is on the coastline of the Olympic Peninsula. It is located just outside of La Push near Forks, Washington, where the Twilight movies were based. There is actually a First Beach and a Third Beach as well, but Second Beach is my favorite. This beach is reached by a small 2 mile trail from where you can park your car. There is also an overflow parking area as well just East of the main lot.
As you reach the beach you are greeted with a dramatic view. Sea stacks, crashing waves, driftwood and tidal pools are all within view. Many times you will see bald eagles and occasional whales. To the north lies an archway with a small hole that provides a shot of sun rays at sunset. On a clear night you can see the milky way light up the sky and an array of campfires spitting fireflies below. Make sure you get the proper wilderness camping permit and camping equipment if you plan to spend the night.
Directions to Second Beach: From Highway 101, make your way to the intersections of Highway 110 and Highway 101, 1.5 miles north of Forks, or 10.8 miles south of Sappho. Turn west onto Highway 110, and proceed 12.5 miles to the Second Beach trailhead, just outside of the town of La Push, on the Quileute Reservation.
Ocean Shores
Ocean Shores is a popular surfing spot and small coastal city in Washington state. It’s main attraction is it’s long Pacific Beach and network of navigable lakes and waterways. This city is very popular in the summer and great for families as well. Kids can enjoy mini golf to racing go karts, visiting a video arcade, riding bikes or digging in the sand to name a few.
Also a great place for couples with an array of bed and breakfast and beach side hotels for romantic evening on the beach. The strip along the beach possesses many dining options for any palette. Book a weekend getaway!
Alki Beach
Located just outside of Downtown Seattle, Alki Beach is located on Alki Point and is a popular location for locals with magnificent views of the Olympic mountains and one of the best views of the Seattle skyline. This area draws joggers, rollerbladers, volleyball players, beachcombers, sunbathers, bicyclists and strollers out to enjoy the sun. The water temperature ranges from 46 to 56 degrees Fahrenheit depending on season.
To get there, head over the West Seattle Bridge and exit onto Harbor Ave SW which will turn into Alki Ave SW. The beach will be on your right.
Jetty Island
Jetty island is a small man-made stretch of land just off the city of Everett. Mostly unnoticeable from the mainland. You can either kayak, take a boat or in the Summer take the free ferry over to the island. Once you dock you walk over the island to the other side where you will find a long, beautiful beach. When the tide is out, the beach widens to almost a mile.
With 2 miles of beach, shallow warmer water and a light constant wind, this is one of the top locations in the world for kite surfers. On any giver day you may find up to 50-60 kite surfers doing flips, flying through the air and crashing into the waves.
Jetty Island is home to more than 45 bird species including osprey, shorebirds, hawks, eagles, cormorants and ducks. Many times you can see seals and on occasion gray whales around the island. The island is a great day outing to explore, sunbath, bird watch and enjoy the kite surfers acrobatics.
If you don’t have a boat the Free Ferry service is from July 5th thru Labor Day only. The ferry departs from Jetty Landing, adjacent to the Port of Everett’s boat launch at 10thStreet and West Marine View Drive. You can pick up boarding passes at the Jetty Island kiosk located at Jetty Landing Park. Return passes can be picked up once you arrive to the Jetty.
Fort Worden
Fort Worden is located on the Olympic Peninsula in the beautiful Port Townsend, WA. Once a US Army Installation protecting Puget Sound. The Fort Worden State Park’s sandy beaches and high bluffs attract residents from around the region to the multi-use recreation facility.
The fort has an extensive system of large, abandoned bunkers that are available for exploration or games of hide and seek. There are few trails up to the bluff for hikers and the lovely Port Townsend for dinner or events.
Green Lake
Green lake is one of Seattle’s most popular parks and a center of activity year round. The park is a natural preserve for many species of trees and plants, as well as birds and waterfowl. There is a 2.8-mile path around the lake that provides a perfect recreational spot for runners, cyclists, skaters and walkers. Need an awesome Road Bike?
The park is also used for it’s athletic fields including basketball, baseball, soccer, tennis and more. Boaters and swimmers often come in the summer to explore the lake, They even have rentals for those who lack their own.
Dungeness Spit
Dungeness Spit is a 6.8-mile long sand spit sticking out from the northern coast of the Olympic Peninsula. It is the longest natural sand spit in the United States.
After you have made your way down to the beach from the parking area, you can explore and hike your way along the long but narrow stretch of land.
At the end is a picturesque New Dungeness Lighthouse that has been in continuous operation since 1857. Make sure to check out the Olympic Game Farm nearby for another few hours of fun.
Directions to Dungeness Spit: From US 101, West to Sequim. North on Kitchen-Dick Rd for 3 miles to Dungeness Recreation Area.
Reuben Tarte Park
If you are looking for a remote spot for diving. Reuben Tarte Park on San Juan Island may be what you are looking for. The park offers two small pebbly beaches separated by a rock bluff. This area is a gem of a shore dive site with easy access to a beautiful shallow reef. This site is full of the life that one expects to see in current swept sites around the San Juans including wide varieties of sponges, anemones, crab and other invertebrates, cucumbers, stars and urchins, and an impressive assortment of fish.
Beside being a great location for divers, you can also listen to the sounds of a Kingfishers, watch harbor seals scoot around the beaches and take in the beautiful untouched scenery.
Direction to Reuben Tarte Park: From Friday Harbor drive out of town on Roche Harbor Road. In about 8 miles turn right on Rouleau Road. In a mile, turn right on Limestone Point Road, then in less than a mile at a “T” turn right on San Juan Drive and watch for the “Beach Access” sign and parking lot on left in less than ½ a mile. Park here and walk down or drive down and drop off passengers and return to parking lot. Trailers and large RV’s are not allowed due to steepness and very limited turn-around room.
Lake Chelan
Lake Chelan is a 50 miles narrow lake in Eastern Washington. A popular destination for swimmers, cyclists, boaters, sunbathers and wine lovers. Besides the lake activities you have the city of Chelan who’s population jumps from it’s normal 4,000 to over 25,000 in the Summer months. The city of Manson which boasts wineries, distilleries, breweries and great dining options. Finally the small but historic Stehekin which can only be reached by boat, foot or horseback. This little village has been frozen in time and allows you to absolutely get lost in nature. Book a trip today!
Shi Shi Beach
When it comes to epic views of the wild and rugged Olympic Coastline, it is hard to beat Shi Shi Beach. With just 8 miles round trip, you can easily reach this spot for a day trip, but an overnight would make the experience much more rewarding.
The trail starts towards the water, once you reach the sand, continue south along the beach and you will reach Petroleum Creek where campsite can be found. Continue even further and you arrive at the Point of Arches. This is a a mile-long parade of rocky sea stacks and tide pools and considered one of the most remarkable scenes in the Pacific Northwest.
You will need two permits to hike to the beach. The Makah Recreation Pass and an Olympic Nation Park Wilderness Pass.
Directions to Shi Shi Beach: From Port Angeles, drive US-101 west for 5 miles. Turn onto SR-112 west for 64 miles to Neah Bay. Continue on Bayview Ave. for 1 mile; left on Fort St; right on Third Street; left on Cape Flattery Road. Drive 2.5 miles, then left on Hobuck Road. Drive the last 4.3 miles, following signs for the fish hatchery, to trailhead and day use parking. Overnighters must park about 0.6 mile back at a private home. It’s $10 per day, cash, for every day you will be parked there.
Thanks for checking out our Best Beaches in Washington State for Fun article. If you are looking for more adventure? Check out some of our other articles
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